The moon three hours before fullness as it rises over Alabama on June 12, 2014. (Michael E. Palmer/Palmer’s Almanac)

Tonight marks what some are calling the “Honey Moon.” At moonrise the moon will appear to take on an amber color due to the lunar orb’s reflected light passing through dust in the earth’s atmosphere. But tonight as the moon rises it will also appear to be larger than normal due to an optical illusion that is completely in the mind. Scientists think the mind tricks us into believing the moon appears larger due to objects in the foreground like trees and buildings. But it also doesn’t hurt that tonight’s full moon marks it perigee- the closest point the moon will sweep to us in its orbit around the earth, a mere 224,976 miles. And as far as the hype about the Friday 13th full moon- don’t believe it. The moon entered fullness over Alabama last night at 11:12 p.m. Central Daylight Time. If you are keeping score at home that means the full moon occurred from the Central Time Zone westward on Thursday the 12th not Friday the 13th. So in Alabama we’re out of the woods so to speak about any superstitions involving black cats or white dudes in masks coming after us with chainsaws and axes. Tonight the moon will rise at 8:35 p.m. CDT. So if you are out watching the rise be safe and of course be sure to get a great selfie if you see a masked dude approaching with a chainsaw.